The statement followed speculation the family were planning a Westminster Abbey service, similar to that in June for Brucie’s pal, comedian Ronnie Corbett.

Meanwhile on Saturday night an average of 3.3 million, and a peak of 4.2 million, tuned into a repeat of When Miranda Met Bruce.

First aired by the BBC in 2013, it featured comic Miranda Hart interviewing­ Sir Bruce about his career.

Stars have continued to share their sadness over his death.

Bruce next to his bust at the London Palladium (Image: PA Archive)

Sir Elton John praised the “brilliant comedian, television host and lovely man” and adding that it was an “honour” to have worked with him. Sir Bruce’s close friend, comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, told BBC Breakfast: “He was always Mr Forsyth to me because he did help change my life.

“He was unique. He could play the piano with Nat King Cole, he could dance with Sammy Davis Jr, he could take over Have I Got News For You, and most importantly he could annoy Sean Connery on the golf course, which always tickled me.”

Comedian and singer Russ Abbot, said “there will never be another Bruce”, adding: “A great, great loss to the country and personally a great loss to me as a friend.”

Sir Bruce’s former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars Tess Daly, Arlene Phillips­, Len Goodman and Claudia Winkleman, broadcasters Piers Morgan, Chris Evans and Stephen Fry and the Prime Minister Theresa May are among the many to have paid tribute.

Bruce's bust was cast by his son-in-law Dominic Grant (Image: PA)

Sir Bruce leaves six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His widow is his third wife, former Miss World, Lady Wilnelia Merced.

On Friday it was announced that the TV veteran had “passed away this afternoon, peacefully­ at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his chil­dren”.

The statement from Mr Wilson continued: “A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked him what he had been doing these last 18 months.

“With a twinkle in his eye, he responded ‘I’ve been very, very busy... being ill!’ Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.”

The family thanked everyone for their well wishes to Sir Bruce “over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.”